AUBURN, Maine — A $1.7 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration will clear the way for prep work on a planned industrial park.

Auburn Economic Development Assistant Keith McBride said the grant will help pay for utility and site work on the land, three parcels at the end of Lewiston Junction Road near the city’s border with Poland.

All three parcels are currently owned by the Auburn Business Development Corporation.

Combined, the three parcels make up 141 acres surrounding Cascades Auburn Fiber on Lewiston Junction Road. According to McBride, 119 acres will be devoted to the technology-focused industrial park.

“Our grant application designated the money specifically for building the infrastructure,” McBride said. “That includes the road, sewer extensions, power, water, so we can have these lots already serviced and ready for development as soon as the private investment comes in.”

The lot will be served by a new road, Cascades Drive, once work is complete. McBride said he expects to begin taking bids on the road and utility construction later this spring.

“Now that we’ve secured the funding, we need to get it out to bid and start marketing it, to see if we can attract some private investment,” McBride said.

According to a press release, the city estimates the new industrial park could create approximately 200 new jobs and attract $10 million in private investment.

“The notice of award of $1.7 million to assist the City of Auburn and the Auburn Business Development Corporation in building a new industrial park is great news,” said Auburn Economic Development Director Roland Miller in the release. “Nothing enhances our competitive position more than having undeveloped land fully serviced and ready for new investment.”